We recognize that as a donor, you may have concerns about where your contributions go and how they are utilized. At Tennessee Auto Legacy, we share your commitment to trust and transparency. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that every charity we partner with meets high standards of accountability and effectiveness.
This page outlines the systematic steps we take to verify our charity partners, providing you with the confidence that your donations positively impact the community. From thorough background checks to ongoing re-evaluations, we prioritize transparency as the standard, not the exception.
✓Key facts you can verify
- All partners must have a valid IRS 501(c)(3) designation.
- We confirm EINs using the IRS pub78 database.
- State charitable registrations must be current for their operating state.
- Preferred program-expense ratio is over 70%, with a minimum of 60%.
- We check ratings on Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar.
- Board governance is verified to prevent self-dealing.
- Each charity undergoes annual re-verification for continued compliance.
How it works, step by step
Step 1: Initial Verification
We begin by confirming the charity's IRS 501(c)(3) status through the pub78 database and validate their EIN. This ensures that the organization is recognized as a legitimate nonprofit by federal standards.
Step 2: State Compliance Check
Next, we verify that the charity is registered with the state charitable registration authority in its operational state. This ensures that they meet local regulations and maintain good standing.
Step 3: Financial Review
We review the charity's Form 990 filings, looking for a program expense ratio of at least 70%. If the ratio is below 60%, we consider it a red flag and will not partner with the organization.
Step 4: Reputation Check
We assess the charity's ratings and reviews on platforms like Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar. A lack of positive feedback or red flags on these platforms is a deal-breaker.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring
Our vetting process doesn’t end after initial approval. Each charity undergoes annual re-verification to ensure they maintain compliance and continue to meet our high standards.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS pub78 Lookup
How: You can confirm a charity’s 501(c)(3) status by accessing the IRS pub78 database online. This provides verification of their tax-exempt status.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: You can review a charity's Form 990 on Guidestar or directly from the charity's website to see their financial health, including their spending on programs.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check the state Attorney General's website to see if a charity is registered and if there are any complaints against them.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Visit Charity Navigator to check ratings and reviews of the charity, providing insights into their performance and accountability.
Real impact, real numbers
In the last year, Tennessee Auto Legacy has partnered with local charities, raising over $150,000 to support community outreach programs. For example, we helped fund a literacy initiative that provided over 2,000 children with books and educational resources. Additionally, our partnerships have enabled local food banks to distribute over 10,000 meals to families in need, making a significant impact in the Knoxville area.
Knoxville oversight
In Knoxville and throughout Tennessee, charities must adhere to state-specific regulations, ensuring they are accountable and transparent. The Tennessee Secretary of State provides a charity registrar, while the Attorney General offers guidance to report and resolve any complaints about a nonprofit. Local consumer protection resources are available to assist with any issues, reinforcing our commitment to ethical partnerships.
FAQ
How do I know if a charity is legitimate?
What red flags should I look for?
Is there a risk of self-dealing?
What happens if a charity fails our vetting process?
Why is the program-expense ratio important?
How often do you re-evaluate charities?
Can I get involved in the vetting process?
More transparency pages
Your trust is essential to our mission at Tennessee Auto Legacy. We invite you to explore our vetted charity partners and see the meaningful impact of your contributions. Together, we can make a difference in our community and ensure that every donation counts.